WO2020234060A1

WO2020234060A1 - Machine and capsule for dispensing a beverage

Info

Publication number: WO2020234060A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/063237
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Vicente TURÉGANO PASTOR; Enrique Fons Donet; Miguel Angel GÓMEZ BALLESTEROS; Álvaro BELTRÁN DE HEREDIA ROUSSEL
Original assignee: Quickjuice, S.L.
Priority date: 2019-05-20
Filing date: 2020-05-12
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

A capsule (4000) comprises an internal space containing a liquid concentrate, such as a fruit juice concentrate, for producing a beverage. The capsule comprises a first part (4001) and a second part (4002), the second part being displaceable under pressure so as to cause the concentrate to exit the capsule. A capsule (4000) comprises a flexible pouch housing a liquid concentrate, the pressure inside the pouch being higher than 1 atmosphere. A machine for dispensing a beverage comprises a space (11) for housing a capsule containing a liquid concentrate, and a mixing chamber (12) for receiving liquid concentrate and another liquid so as to allow them to mix. The space (11) communicates with the mixing chamber (12). A pressure applicator (14, 15) is provided for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to cause the capsule to collapse.

Description

MACHINE AND CAPSULE FOR DISPENSING A BEVERAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to machines, methods and devices for dispensing beverages such as juice, using capsules containing a liquid concentrate, such as a fruit juice concentrate. The invention also relates to capsules containing liquid concentrates.

STATE OF THE ART

Juice dispensing machines are well known in the art, and typically dispense juice from one or more juice reservoirs arranged inside the machine. Sometimes the reservoirs contain a liquid juice concentrate that is mixed with water prior to dispensing the final product to the user of the machine. A problem with these machines is the often laborious task of checking the status of the reservoirs and refilling them, as well as cleaning and maintenance. Additional problems are related to logistic aspects such as transport and maintenance of the juice, monitoring of expiry dates, etc. An additional problem is that often, due to logistic concerns and/or space requirements, only a very limited range of juice products is offered by the machine, thereby limiting the possibilities of the customer to select between different flavors.

It is well known in the art to dispense different beverages, predominantly hot coffee beverages, using capsules containing ground coffee. Generally, these machines involve a controlled injection of hot water into the capsules, whereby coffee with a desired flavor and concentration is obtained. Nowadays such machines are frequently used not only in offices and public spaces, but also at home. The capsule based approach makes it possible for a user to always have a wide range of different flavors available, ready for use and easy to store.

Some attempts have been made to design machines capable of dispensing other beverages from capsules. For example, FR-1410288-A discloses a machine for dispensing a hot or cold beverage based on the use of a bag that may contain, for example, coffee or orange juice concentrate. The bag is first perforated using a perforator, and thereafter hot or cold water is conveyed to the space housing the capsule. ES-374203-A1 discloses a similar arrangement for dispensing beverages from capsules containing for example citrus syrup, by perforating the top of the capsule by a needle-like device through which a fluid can then be injected into the capsule. A similar approach has been suggested in ES-1217036-U, where an injector is used to inject water into a capsule containing a concentrate.

A problem with many prior art solutions is that they appear to have been inspired by the technology used in many coffee dispensing machines, that is, technology based on the injection of water into capsules containing the ground coffee powder so that coffee is produced when the water passes through the capsules. The coffee exits the capsule whereas the moist coffee powder is left inside the capsule. This approach appears to be appropriate when the purpose is to give water a flavor by passing it through a substance that is to be retained within the capsule, but it has been found that it may be sub-optimal for producing a beverage out of a liquid concentrate: for example, juice is not produced by passing water through the liquid juice concentrate, but rather by mixing the water and the concentrate.

WO-2012/176055-A1 discloses a machine based on the use of a capsule that is first opened at its lower part by a blade or tip, whereafter a piston is activated to press and empty the capsule. The fruit juice concentrate that is housed in the capsule flows into a mixing tank where it is mixed with water to produce the juice to be dispensed to the user. Whereas this principle appears to be basically appropriate for the purpose of appropriately mixing the fruit juice concentrate with the water, the machine appears to involve certain disadvantages in terms of, for example, how the capsule is opened: a special mechanism appears to be necessary for releasing the blade or tip used for opening the capsule. The capsule, referred to as a“single-dose pack”, is merely schematically illustrated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, there is a need for a machine and system that is easy to operate and to maintain, and preferably with a small number of moving parts so as to avoid unnecessary manufacturing costs and to reduce the risk of jamming.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a machine for dispensing a beverage, the machine comprising a space for housing a capsule containing a liquid concentrate, and a mixing chamber for receiving liquid concentrate and another liquid (typically water) so as to allow the liquid concentrate and the other liquid to mix, the space communicating with the mixing chamber so that liquid concentrate can flow from the space and into the mixing chamber. One advantage of this arrangement compared to, for example, the arrangement of FR-1410288-A is that the mixing of the liquid concentrate and the other liquid can take place outside the space housing the capsule, which can serve to prevent the beverage being produced from contacting the outside of the capsule, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of the beverage (for example, due to contamination on the external wall or walls of the capsule). A further advantage of the use of a separate mixing chamber rather than mixing the liquid concentrate and the other liquid inside the capsule itself and/or in the space housing the capsule is that more effective and homogenous mixing can be ensured, not conditioned by, for example, the presence of the capsule, preferred flow paths established through or around the capsule, etc.

The machine optionally comprises at least one puncture element arranged in correspondence with, that is, in or in direct communication with, the space, the puncture element being arranged to contact the capsule and to puncture the capsule when the capsule is pressed against the puncture element. The machine further comprises a pressure applicator for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule. In some embodiments, the pressure applicator is configured or adapted for displacing one part of the capsule in relation to another part of the capsule, in a piston or plunger-like manner, so as to press the liquid concentrate out of the capsule. Thus, for example, the pressure applicator may comprise a piston configured to enter into the capsule, for example, so as to push a cover of the capsule or any other part of the capsule capable of acting as a plunger, towards an outlet end of the capsule.

In some embodiments, when the machine comprises the at least one puncture element, the pressure applicator may be arranged for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to first cause the capsule to be punctured by the puncture element, and so as to subsequently_cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule. Thus, both opening of the capsule and ejection of the liquid concentrate from the capsule can take place due to the action of the pressure applicator, thereby minimizing the number of necessary components and moving parts and providing for a simple and reliable system for generation of a beverage on the basis of capsules with a liquid concentrate.

The pressure applicator can be any kind of pressure applicator that is capable of applying pressure onto the capsule so as to cause the capsule to collapse, for example, to cause the capsule to be punctured by the puncture element -if such a puncture element is provided- and thereafter collapse. The pressure applicator preferably comprises at least one surface that is displaceable so as to directly or indirectly exert pressure onto the capsule. The at least one puncture element can be placed on or in correspondence with that displaceable surface, or somewhere else, for example, substantially opposite that surface.

The space can be any kind of space capable of housing a capsule. In many embodiments, the space is fully or partially delimited by walls, such as by one or more walls defining a conduit or channel allowing for insertion of a capsule, one or more walls of a moveable drawer or carriage for insertion of a capsule, etc. In some embodiments the space has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the capsule, so that for example a circumferential wall of a capsule, such as a cylindrical or frusto-conical wall or wall portion of the capsule, is supported by the wall or walls that delimit the space in which the capsule is placed, for example, against forces in the radial direction when part of a capsule, such as a lid part of the capsule, is displaced by the pressure applicator for the purpose of causing the liquid concentrate to flow out of the capsule. Such an arrangement can, for example, be useful when operating with capsules comprising a first part and a second part as described below.

In this document,“liquid concentrate” refers to any liquid concentrate suitable for the production of a beverage, such as a concentrate comprising matter originating from fruits and/or vegetables and/or other plant parts and that can be mixed with another liquid so as to produce a beverage. For example, the liquid concentrate may be a fruit juice concentrate. The other liquid is typically water, for example, tap or mineral water, optionally sparkling water.

There may be more than one puncture element, and the puncture elements may be different or identical, and arranged in any suitable manner.

The expression“mixing chamber” is to be interpreted broadly, that is, as encompassing any kind of space where mixing of the liquid concentrate and the other liquid can take place. That is, the term“chamber” should not be interpreted to require any“chamber-like” space: any space that allows mixing to take place is a mixing chamber in the context of the present document. For example, the mixing chamber can comprise or consist of the part of the internal space of one or more conduits where the liquid concentrate and the other liquid (such as water) meet and mix during operation of the machine. For example, the mixing chamber can comprise or consist of at least part of the internal space of one or more conduits through which the liquid concentrate flows, and/or at least part of the internal space of one or more conduits through which the other liquid is supplied, and/or at least part of the internal space of a conduit for delivering the beverage to an outlet. For example, the mixing chamber con comprise or consist of at least part of the internal space of a junction, such as a T-junction, of three or more conduits. In many embodiments the mixing chamber is thus not a space that is necessarily clearly distinguishable from the internal space of the different conduits etc.: the mixing chamber is in many embodiments the part(s) of the conduit(s) where mixing takes place. In many embodiments the conduits have circular cross-sections.

The reference to a pressure applicator for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to first cause the capsule to be punctured by the puncture element and so as to subsequently cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule, is to be understood as a pressure applicator suitable for carrying out this action on a capsule placed in the space for housing a capsule. That is, this feature is not to be understood as ruling out the possibility of a user carrying out the puncturing himself or herself. In some embodiments of the invention, the user is capable of puncturing the capsule when placing it in the space, or even prior to placing it in the space. For example, the user may be capable of pressing the capsule against the puncture element so as to puncture the capsule. In such a case, the pressure applicator will not carry out the puncturing but only produce the collapse of the capsule.

The expression“cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule” is to be understood in the sense that the capsule is caused to collapse in any way that is suitable for pressing the liquid concentrate or at least the major part of it out of the capsule. For example, the pressure applicator can be configured for pressing a flexible pouch shaped capsule until it is substantially flat. The pressure applicator may also be configured to apply a pressure to a part of the capsule that is displaceable with regard to another part of the capsule, for example, in a piston-like manner, so that the liquid concentrate is expelled in a manner similar to the way in which liquid is expelled from a syringe. For example, the pressure applicator may be configured for applying pressure to, for example, a base, top or lid portion of the capsule so as to displace the base, top or lid portion towards an outlet portion of the capsule placed opposite to the base, top or lid portion. Many embodiments of the machine may be suitable for causing different kinds of capsules to collapse in different ways.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pressure applicator comprises a piston arranged to be driven towards the capsule to first cause the capsule to be punctured by the at least one puncture element and to subsequently cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule. In some embodiments the pressure applicator further comprises an electric motor for driving the piston. In some embodiments, the motor is associated with the piston via a threaded rod on which the motor acts, so that rotary movement of the motor is converted into linear movement of the piston. However, any other suitable piston drive mechanism can be used. In the context of this document, the term“piston” refers to any displaceable element arranged to exert increasing pressure on the capsule so as to cause it to collapse as discussed above, optionally also to puncture the capsule prior to causing it to collapse.

In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one puncture element is arranged facing the piston so that a capsule placed in the space will be sandwiched between the piston and the at least one puncture element. Thus, movement of the piston will cause the puncture element to exert increased pressure against the capsule, until it punctures the capsule. Thereafter, liquid concentrate can flow out of the capsule while the capsule collapses under the pressure exerted by the piston.

In some embodiments of the invention, the puncture element is arranged at a bottom portion of the space. Thus, it will serve to puncture a bottom portion of the capsule, thereby allowing liquid concentrate to flow out of the capsule and into the mixing chamber.

In some embodiments of the invention, the space communicates with the mixing chamber via an opening in a bottom surface of the space, for example, placed in correspondence with the puncture element (if such a puncture element is present), such as in the puncture element. In some embodiments there may be more than one of those openings, such as one opening in correspondence with each of a plurality of puncture elements, or a plurality of openings in correspondence with one single puncture element, or a plurality of openings in correspondence with each one of a plurality of puncture elements.

In some embodiments of the invention, the space comprises a bottom surface that slopes towards the opening, so as to cause any fluid to flow towards the opening.

In some embodiments of the invention, the machine further comprises a seal member surrounding the opening and, if a puncture element is present, surrounding the puncture element. The seal member is arranged to be applied against a surface of the capsule during compression of the capsule. This seal member, for example, a flexible or elastic polymer or silicone member, can thus serve to avoid liquid concentrate from leaking away from the opening, and thus contributes to enhanced cleanliness and efficient use of the concentrate.

In some embodiments of the invention, the puncture element comprises a hollow member featuring a sharp edge, such as a sharp beveled end portion, arranged to contact the capsule for puncturing the capsule. This kind of puncture element is easy to implement and the hollow interior can constitute or communicate with the opening that communicates the space with the mixing chamber.

In some embodiments of the invention, the space is provided in a capsule container that can be displaced between an extracted position for loading and unloading a capsule into and out of the space, respectively, and an inserted position where a portion of the pressure applicator, such as the piston, is moveable into the space for applying pressure onto the capsule. For example, the capsule container may be moveable between said two positions by movement along a horizontal axis or by curved movement in the horizontal plane, and the piston may be moveable in the vertical direction, upwards and downwards. Thus, the capsule holder may be displaced or swung between said extracted position, which can be a position outside the housing of the machine or at least a position where the space is accessible for receiving a capsule from the hand of a user or from a capsule deposit, and the inserted position where the space with the capsule can receive the piston, for example, a position right under the piston or other member of the pressure applicator.

The capsule container may be arranged so that it can be removed from the machine for the purpose of, for example, cleaning the capsule container.

In some embodiments of the invention, the capsule container includes an opening in a bottom wall thereof, and the puncture element is placed in correspondence with the opening so that it can access the capsule via the opening, and the mixing chamber is optionally displaceable in relation to the puncture element so that the puncture element can enter the space through the opening for the purpose of puncturing the capsule. This arrangement may involve advantages as it can help to prevent premature puncturing of the capsule when inserted into the space. The contact, or at least the substantial pressure necessary for puncturing the capsule, can then be established by displacing the capsule container in relation to the puncture element, whereby the puncture element enters the space. One way of achieving this is by applying pressure onto the capsule that rests in the capsule container, thus displacing both capsule and the capsule container downwards, whereby the puncture element enters more and more into the space, via the opening, until it causes the capsule to puncture. Thereafter, compression of the capsule continues. The pressure can be applied with for example a piston, as explained above. In some embodiments of the invention, the capsule container and the mixing chamber are configured as a unit that can be displaced between the extracted position and the inserted position. For example, the unit can be arranged so that it is removable from the rest of the machine, for example, for the purpose of cleaning the unit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mixing chamber comprises or consists of an internal space of a junction of at least a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit being a conduit for the liquid concentrate and the second conduit being a conduit for the other liquid. The junction may be a junction of more than two conduits, for example, the junction may additionally comprise a conduit for conveying the mixed beverage to an outlet. In some embodiments the junction is a T-junction of three conduits, a junction that can easily be implemented, for example, using commercially available components.

In some embodiments of the invention, the machine further comprises means for injecting water into the mixing chamber, preferably under turbulent conditions, such as under conditions corresponding to a Reynolds number larger than 2300, larger than 2900, or larger than 3000. The means for injecting water into the mixing chamber may comprise at least one pump, and operation of the pump may be synchronized with the puncturing of the capsule and/or with the application of pressure on the capsule, for example, by triggering operation of the pump based on the position of the piston or other means for exerting pressure, or based on the position of the puncture element.

In some embodiments of the invention, the machine is arranged to clean at least a portion of the space for housing the capsule, and/or at least part of the puncture element (if a puncture element is present), and/or at least one opening communicating the space with the mixing chamber, and/or the mixing chamber, by injecting water into the mixing chamber after stopping or reversing operation of the pressure applicator. Thus, partial or complete cleaning may be carried out automatically as part of the process of operating the machine, for example, by applying water under pressure to the mixing chamber so that it enters the space that houses the capsule. For example, an amount of water may be injected into the mixing chamber by operating the water pump after stopping the downwards movement of the piston or after initiation of movement of the piston away from the capsule, thereby making it easier for the water to enter the space from below. For example, a final injection of water into the mixing chamber can contribute to cleaning the puncture element and/or the opening communication the space with the mixing chamber, or at least the mixing chamber itself, and thereafter flow to the outlet so as to form part of the beverage.

In some embodiments, the machine comprises means for heating the water, for example, to a temperature above 40 °C, such as between 45 and 50 °C, to enhance the cleaning effect of the water. This may for example be achieved by providing at least one resistive heating element in correspondence with (that is, in or adjacent to) the water conduit upstream of the mixing chamber, preferably shortly upstream of the mixing chamber, such as at a distance of less than 20, 10 or 5 cm from the mixing chamber. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements with a total power in the order of between 100 and 500 W, such as between 150 and 300 W, such as between 200 and 300 W, may be used. The heating element or elements may be powered under the control of the electronic control system of the machine, so that, for example, heating only takes place in correspondence with the injection of water for cleaning, and not in correspondence with the injection of water for producing the beverage.

In some embodiments the machine is a machine configured to interact with a capsule comprising a first part and a second part as described herein, the pressure applicator being configured to displace the second part towards the opening in the first part so as to press the liquid concentrate out of the capsule. For example, the pressure applicator may be configured to displace the second part towards the opening in the first part without substantially deforming the first part. Thus, for example, the pressure applicator may comprise some kind of piston which acts on the second part, pushing it, so that the piston and the second part jointly act as a plunger, as in a syringe, so as to press the liquid concentrate out of the capsule.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of dispensing a beverage using a machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

placing a capsule with a liquid concentrate in the space;

applying pressure onto the capsule so as to cause the capsule to collapse, thereby causing the liquid concentrate to exit the capsule and to enter the mixing chamber;

injecting water into the mixing chamber;

letting water mixed with the liquid concentrate exit the mixing chamber.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of applying pressure onto the capsule after placing the capsule in the space, so as to puncture the capsule against the puncture element.

In other embodiments, the method comprises the step of opening the capsule before placing the capsule in the space. For example, the capsule may be punctured by the user, or a removable seal element, such as a heat bonded seal element or a seal element integrally formed with the capsule during molding thereof, may be removed by the user to open the capsule so that the liquid concentrate can exit the capsule.

In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of using a capsule container that is displaceable between and extracted and an inserted position, and placing the capsule in the capsule container when the capsule container is in its extracted position, and applying pressure onto the capsule when the capsule container is in its inserted position.

In some embodiments the pressure is applied by using a piston, such as a vertically moveable piston, and the step of injecting water is optionally synchronized with the position of the piston. In some embodiments, the piston is operated manually, and in other embodiments the piston is operated using an electric motor, such as a servomotor or a stepping motor.

In some embodiments, full or partial cleaning takes place by injecting water into the space for housing the capsule via the mixing chamber. In some embodiments this takes place after reversing operation of the pressure applicator.

Some embodiments include occasional cleaning of parts of the machine by removing mixing chamber and capsule container from the rest of the machine, for example, as a unit in which the capsule container and the mixing chamber are both integrated.

Any suitable kind of capsule can be used with the machine. In some embodiments capsules are used that are of a flexible and optionally elastic material, for example, of a plastic and/or polymer material. In some embodiments rigid capsules are used, comprising two parts that can be displaced in relation to each other to produce expulsion of a liquid concentrate from within the capsule. A user may have access to capsules containing different kinds of liquid concentrates, thereby allowing the user to select between different options when preparing his or her beverage. For example, a user may be able to select between one or more juice drinks, energy drinks, etc. In some embodiments, the capsules can be arranged within the machine and manually or automatically transferred to the space for housing the capsule when the machine is operated by a user, or after the previous operation by a user. In other embodiments the capsules may be arranged outside the machine, for example in an external refrigerator or other storage space, and the user can insert the capsules manually, and thereafter trigger operation of the machine by, for example, interacting with a user interface, such as by pushing a button or contacting a certain portion of an interface display.

Other aspects of the invention relate to capsules, for example, to capsules useful for or especially adapted for use in a machine as described above. The capsules contain a liquid concentrate for producing a beverage, such as a fruit juice concentrate or any other concentrate comprising matter originating from fruits and/or vegetables and/or other plant parts and that can be mixed with another liquid so as to produce a beverage. The capsules are preferably single-dose capsules, that is, capsules intended to be used to produce one single dose of the beverage, for example, one dose of juice.

According to one of these aspects, the capsule comprises an internal space containing a liquid concentrate for producing a beverage, the capsule comprising a first part and a second part which together define, that is, delimit, the internal space, the first part being provided with an opening, the second part being displaceable under pressure towards the opening so as to reduce the volume of the internal space, so as to cause the liquid concentrate to exit the capsule. In some embodiments the capsule is relatively rigid so that the first part and the second part will not be substantially deformed as a result of the relative movement, for example, when used in a machine as described above. If needed, the first part and/or the second part may be provided with reinforcing ribs, or similar. The rigid character of the capsule can serve to facilitate reliable and predictable puncturing thereof, and/or to provide for a reliable behavior (such as reliable movement of the first part in relation to the second part) when the capsule is subjected to pressure, and/or to facilitate the handling of the capsules, and/or to minimize the waste due to liquid concentrate remaining inside the capsule after extraction, that is, after the maximum collapse/compression of the capsule in the machine. Some prior art machines are considered to be sub-optimal in relation to this aspect, as the uncontrolled way in which collapse takes place may imply that relatively substantial amounts of liquid concentrate remain in the container after completion of the extraction cycle, for example, in folds of the compressed container. In some embodiments the first part constitutes a container for the liquid concentrate, whereas the second part constitutes a lid or other kind of closure of the first part, arranged to close an open end of the first part.

In some embodiments, the second part is attached to the first part by a frangible connection that is configured to break when the second part is subjected to a pressure higher than a threshold pressure. In other embodiments, the second part may not be attached to the first part by any frangible connection, but merely fitted into the first part by friction fit or similar. In some embodiments the top of the capsule, above the second part, is sealed by a film or sheet which may be, for example, glued or heat sealed to the capsule, for example, the make sure that no leakage out of the capsule or contamination of the liquid concentrate will take place; this kind of film or sheet can for example be removed by the user prior to placing the capsule in the machine for producing the beverage. In some embodiments the capsule is packaged within a sealed pouch or similar, which is opened when the capsule is to be used.

In some embodiments, the internal space is delimited by a wall, a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion comprising the opening and the top portion comprising the second part, the wall and the bottom portion being part of the first part. The terms“top” and “bottom” refer to the position of the respective portions when the capsule is arranged with the opening downwards (in many embodiments this is how the capsule will be arranged when the capsule is used in a machine).

In some embodiments the wall is a cylindrical wall. The term cylindrical is to be understood in the broad sense, and not limited to cylinders with circular cross section, although this option may be preferred. However, in other embodiments, the cylinder formed by the side wall of the capsule may have a different cross section, such as an oval or polygonal cross section.

In some embodiments, the wall is a frusto-conical wall, so that the internal space gets narrower towards the bottom of the capsule, that is, in the direction towards the opening. In some embodiments, the wall is inclined in relation a vertical axis of the capsule (such as the axis of symmetry) at an angle of inclination, the angle of inclination being between 0.5 and 5 degrees, such as between 1 and 3 degrees, such as between 1 and 2 degrees (endpoints included). It has been found that a slightly frusto-conical wall can be helpful to ensure reliable performance during the extraction of the liquid concentrate from the capsule by displacement of the second part towards the opening. Also, a somewhat frusto-conical wall can be useful to facilitate withdrawal of the first part from the mold during production of the capsule, such as by injection-molding.

In some embodiments, the second part is radially compressible, for example, the second part may comprise a radially compressible rim portion, for example, a rim portion that features at least one flange extending at least partly in the axial direction, such as in both the radial and the axial direction. For example, the rim portion may have cross section that is substantially L-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped (such as shaped substantially as an inverted V or U when the capsule is placed with the opening facing downwards). This may serve to improve the sealing between the first part and the second part, also during the movement of the second part towards the opening. For example, in the case of a cylindrical wall, an efficient sealing between the first part and the second part may be established when the second part is inserted into the top portion of the first part, the sealing being enhanced by a slight radial compression of the second part. In the case of a frusto-conical wall, radial compression of the second part may (additionally) take place during the movement of the second part towards the opening, which may serve to preserve a good sealing during the process and to minimize the risk of leakage, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances. The term“radially compressible” is intended to denote that the radial compression is facilitated, for example, due to a particular design of the rim portion of the second part, compared to, for example, a purely disc-shaped second part.

In some embodiments, the second part comprises a rim portion arranged to exert a force on the wall of the first part that increases when the pressure inside the internal space increases. For example, the rim portion may comprise a flange arranged to flex (or to tend to flex) radially outwards in response to a pressure increase in the space. Thus, when the second part is pressed towards the opening (for example, by a piston), the pressure inside the internal space increases, and the corresponding increase in the force that the rim portion applies on the wall of the first part reduces the risk of leakage of the liquid concentrate out of the capsule between the first part and the second part. The kind of V-shaped or U-shaped rim portion discussed above has been found to be especially useful for this kind of purpose. This kind of arrangement may be useful to reduce the risk of undesired leakage between the circumference of the first part and the wall of the second part. For example, when the capsule is subjected to pressure (such as by a piston applying pressure to the first part), the capsule tends to become deformed, for example, the walls of the second part tend to bulge outwards, which implies a risk for leakage out of the capsule. Providing the first part with a rim portion capable of flexing radially outwards (for example, including a circumferential lip or flange extending axially inwards and optionally radially outwards) at the circumference of the first part makes it possible to compensate for the deformation of the walls of the second part, that is, to absorb the deformations and prevent leakage from occurring. For example, radial expansion of the second part due to the pressure exerted by the piston may be compensated by radial expansion of the first part, due to the deformation of the rim portion radially outwards. The kind of (inverted) V- or U-shaped rim portion discussed above is suitable for this purpose.

In some embodiments, the second part is arranged to slide towards the opening guided by the wall. That is, the second part can act as a piston, for example, a piston driven by the pressure applicator of a machine as described above, so as to press the liquid concentrate out of the capsule through the opening. Thus, the wall of the first part does not collapse but acts as a guide (in some embodiments, the wall of the first part is additionally supported by the machine, for example, by a wall in the machine delimiting the space in which the capsule is placed), and the second part acts as a piston or plunger, for example, together with a piston of the machine in which the capsule is used, such as a machine as described above. This arrangement has been found suitable for enhancing substantially full extraction of the liquid concentrate, minimizing waste. This kind of capsule can be implemented as a rigid or relatively rigid capsule, which favors controlled puncturing, resistance to scratches (that is, reduced risk for puncturing due to accidental scratches), easy handling, an attractive appearance, etc.

In some embodiments, the opening is positioned in a protrusion extending from the bottom portion. This protrusion can be used to guide the capsule in relation to the bottom of the capsule container, for example, in relation to a conduit leading to the mixing chamber, and/or in relation to a puncture element, for example, by insertion of the protrusion into a cavity surrounding the puncture element and/or fluidly connected to the mixing chamber. Thus, the protrusion can be used to guide and position the capsule and its opening in relation to the puncture element and/or in relation to the conduit leading to the mixing chamber. The use of a protrusion in correspondence with the opening can serve to improve the establishment of a reliable and substantially leak-free conduit or flow-path between the interior of the capsule and the mixing chamber of, for example, a machine as described above.

In some embodiments, the opening is sealed by a frangible seal, for example, by a film or by a portion of the material making up the first part but in some embodiments with a smaller thickness. The frangible seal can for example be pierced by the puncture element when the capsule is used in a machine as described above that includes such a puncture element.

In some embodiments, the opening is sealed by a removable seal arranged to be, for example, manually removed by a user, for example, prior to placing the capsule in the machine. In some embodiments, this removable seal is a closure part that has been formed integrally with the first part (such as during injection molding thereof), for example, forming a cylindrical extension of the first part below the opening, closing the opening. This kind of seal can easily be broken away by the user prior to placing the capsule in the machine, so as to allow the liquid concentrate to exit through the opening. This kind of seal can easily result from the injection process.

In some embodiments, the first part and the second part are rigid. The term“rigid” is to be understood in the sense that the capsule is self-supporting when empty (that is, that it retains its shape when placed on a surface in its empty state), and in the sense that the sidewall of the capsule does not collapse when the second part is pressed downwards towards the opening, but rather serves as a guide for the second part during its movement.

In some embodiments, the capsule has a circular cross section. In some embodiments, the maximum internal and/or external diameter of the capsule is preferably between 30 and 50 mm; and/or the maximum height of the capsule is preferably between 30 and 50 mm. It has been found that a combination of such diameters and heights may be appropriate for the production of single dose beverages out of, for example, a fruit juice concentrate. Capsules with this kind of dimensions are also appropriate for handling. Substantially larger capsules may imply an unnecessary waste of material.

In some embodiments, the second part has a wall thickness of between 0.9 and 1.5 mm. For example, in the case of capsules having dimensions in line with those indicated above, this kind of wall thickness is compatible with a relatively rigid structure of the capsule and, especially, of the second part thereof, using commercially available materials that are biodegradable and compatible with injection molding processes. This kind of wall thicknesses also imply a relatively limited use of material, thereby further contributing to the reduction of costs and enhanced environmentalfriendliness.

In some embodiments, the opening has a diameter of between 2.5 and 4 mm. This has been found to allow for a sufficiently high flow rate of the liquid concentrate out of the capsule during operation, at least in the case of fruit juice concentrates featuring viscosities typical for fruit juice concentrates.

In some embodiments, the first part and the second part are injection molded parts.

The capsule (including the first and second part) is preferably of an environmental- friendly material, preferably a biodegradable material. For example, the capsule may comprise or consist of a water-soluble material, for example, a water-soluble material based on poly vinyl acetate (PVA). The material (in the case of a multi-layer material, at least the material of the layer in contact with the liquid concentrate, such as a fruit juice concentrate) should, however, support contact with the liquid concentrate without disintegrating due to the contact. For example, it should preferably not be dissolved or otherwise caused to disintegrate by a liquid concentrate such as a fruit juice concentrate with a water content in the range of, for example, 30%-35 % by weight.

According to another one of these aspects, the capsule comprises or consists of a flexible single-layer or multi-layer pouch or enclosure housing the liquid concentrate. The pressure inside the pouch is higher than 1 atmosphere (101 ,325 Pa), for example, more than 50 Pa, 100 Pa, 300 Pa, 500 Pa, 700 Pa or 900 Pa above one (1) atmosphere. However, it is sometimes preferred that the pressure inside the capsule is not too high compared to the atmospheric pressure, and in some embodiments it is preferred that the pressure within the capsule is not more than 5000 Pa, such as not more than 3000 Pa or not more than 1000 Pa, above the atmospheric pressure of 101 ,325 Pa or 1 ,013.25 mbar. The“pressure inside the pouch” refers to the pressure inside the pouch when the pouch is placed on a surface and subjected to atmospheric pressure, that is, it does not refer to the pressure inside the pouch when the pouch is additionally loaded, for example, such as when the pouch is subjected to pressure by a pressure applicator such as by the pressure applicator of the machine described above.

The fact that the pressure inside the pouch is higher than the atmospheric pressure, for example, a few tens, hundreds or thousands of Pascals (Pa) higher than 1 atmosphere, can be advantageous in that it allows a single or multilayer thin film pouch to be used, where the walls of the pouch are stretched. This is not only practical for the handling of the capsules, but it is also advantageous in that it can help to ensure that the capsules will be punctured when used in an appropriate machine (such as the one described above), rather than simply burst in an uncontrolled manner when subjected to pressure in the machine. Thus, controlled puncture of the capsules can be ensured (with a reasonable degree of certainty) while at the same time allowing for the use of a relatively small amount of packaging material (that is, a simple thin film pouch can be used, for example, a pouch produced by bonding portions of two single-layer or multi-layer films together). The pouch is preferably of an environmental-friendly material, preferably a biodegradable material. For example, the pouch may comprise or consist of a water-soluble material, in line with the water-soluble materials based on poly vinyl acetate (PVA) that are used for many liquid detergent pods. The material of the pouch (in the case of a multi-layer material, at least the material of the layer in contact with the liquid concentrate, such as a fruit juice concentrate) should, however, support contact with the liquid concentrate without disintegrating due to the contact. For example, it should preferably not be dissolved or otherwise caused to disintegrate by a liquid concentrate such as a fruit juice concentrate with a water content in the range of, for example, 30%-35 % by weight.

The capsule can, for example, have a pouch- or pod-like shape, for example, in line with those used for liquid detergent pods. Just like liquid detergent pods, the capsule may be produced using equipment offered by companies such as Cloud Packaging Solutions, and others, or similar equipment. The pouch- or pod-like shape may be preferred as it is already well-known to many consumers, and as it has been found to be useful for operation of the kind of machine that has been described above. Due to the way in which the liquid is pressure- packed within the capsule, when pressure is applied the capsule will be punctured by the one or more puncture elements, rather than burst.

The capsule can comprise or consist of the film material, such as two portions of film material bonded together around a circumference of the capsule. The matter inside the pouch or housing defined by the film material may consist of the liquid concentrate and optionally some gas matter, such as air.

In some embodiments, the pouch comprises an elastic film, the elastic film being in a stretched (that is, elastically deformed) state that determines the pressure within the capsule. Typically, this may be the result of the stretching (elastic deformation) of the material that takes place during the production and filling of the capsules.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a capsule as described above, in a machine as described above.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising the machine described above, and one or more capsules, such as one or more capsules as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as examples of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

Figure 1A is a schematic front view of a machine according to one possible embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 B is a schematic front view of part of the interior of the machine of figure 1 A.

Figure 1C is a schematic rear view of part of the interior of the machine of figure 1A.

Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views schematically illustrating a capsule container and a mixing chamber in accordance with one possible implementation of the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1A-1 C.

Figure 2C is a schematic perspective view of part of a subsystem for beverage generation including the capsule container and the mixing chamber of figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 3A is a rear perspective view of a unit integrating capsule container and mixing chamber in accordance with another possible implementation of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3B is a lateral cross sectional view of the unit shown in figure 3A.

Figure 3C is a lateral cross sectional view of a unit according to a variant of the implementation shown in figure 3B.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber and its inlets and outlet, in accordance with one possible implementation of the illustrated embodiment.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing chamber in accordance with an alternative implementation of the illustrated embodiment.

Figures 6 is a schematic perspective view of some of the components of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a capsule according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule according to another embodiment of the invention, placed in a unit comprising capsule container and mixing chamber

Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet portion of that capsule.

Figures 9A and 9B are schematic cross-sectional views of a capsule according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figures 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views of a capsule according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the different figures, identical or corresponding elements have been indicated using the same reference numbers.

DESCRIPTION OF WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1A schematically illustrates a machine according to one possible embodiment of the invention, comprising a machine housing 1000 featuring an area 1001 for dispensing a beverage produced by mixing water and a liquid concentrate -such as a juice or plant extract concentrate- inside the housing. The area typically comprises a surface 1002 where a user can place a recipient 1003 such as a glass, cup or mug, for receiving the generated beverage via a conduit 1004 that communicates with a mixing chamber, which will be described with more detail below. The surface may comprise a grating or similar to allow any beverage that is spilled to flow into a space, such as into a drawer or similar (not illustrated) which can be withdrawn for cleaning. The housing also features one or more interface areas 1005 with one or more buttons, displays, and/or other input and optionally output means that allow a user to interact with the machine, for example, to trigger operation of the machine for generating a dose of beverage and, optionally, to select features such as temperature and/or amount of the beverage, concentration, etc. Suitable input and output means are well known to the skilled person and will thus not be described with more detail herein.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment the housing features an access opening 1006 for allowing the user to access a schematically illustrated space 11 arranged for receiving and housing a capsule and that forms part of a subsystem 1 for beverage generation (schematically indicated with discontinuous lines in figure 1A) by mixing a liquid concentrate contained in a capsule with water. In this specific embodiment, the water is provided from a water deposit 2000 housed within the housing 1000, as schematically illustrated with discontinuous lines in figure 1A. However, in other embodiments water can be provided from a tank or container housed outside the housing, or via a connection to an external water supply system, etc.

Figure 1 B and 1C show some of the components arranged within the housing. In this embodiment, the components are mounted on a frame or support 3000 which is shown from the front in figure 1 B and from the rear in figure 1 C. The subsystem 1 for beverage generation and the water deposit 2000 are arranged on and attached to the front side of the support. The rear side of the support 3000 supports a cooler 2002 for cooling the water coming from the deposit via a conduit 2001 that passes through the support 3000, and a pump 2003 arranged to pump the water from the water deposit 2000 into a mixing chamber 12 (shown in figure 1 B) via a conduit 2004 that ends in the mixing chamber 12, at an opening 12B schematically illustrated in figure 1 B. The cooler can be any suitable kind of cooler, for example, a cooler based on Peltier elements, a compressor, etc. The pump can be any suitable kind of pump, although it may be preferred that the pump is capable of pumping water into the mixing chamber under turbulent conditions, for example, so that the water features a suitably high Reynolds number. However, the pressure generated by the pump should preferably not be such as to substantially prevent the liquid concentrate from entering the mixing chamber.

The rear of the support can additionally be used to accommodate further components, such as the power source (including, for example, a transformer), a fan to remove heat (generated by, for example, the cooler 2002), components of the electronic control system, etc. Such components are well known in the art and will not be shown or described with further detail herein.

In figure 1 B it is schematically illustrated how the mixing chamber 12 communicates with the space 11 that houses the schematically illustrated capsule 4000. One or more puncture elements 13 are arranged to interact with the capsule so as to puncture the capsule when the capsule is pressed against the puncture element or elements 13 due to the action of a piston 14 driven by a motor 15. In other embodiments, no puncture elements are present. For example, in some embodiments, the user may open the capsule by removing a seal prior to inserting the capsule into the machine, or in any other suitable way.

In the illustrated embodiment the piston is attached to a threaded rod 15A driven by the motor, but any other suitable drive arrangement can be used. In some embodiments the piston can be guided by one or more guide rods (such as guide rods 14A and 14B schematically illustrated in figure 11) or any other guide means, to ensure correct displacement of the piston. The capsule may be a pouch-shaped capsule formed by a single-layer or multi-layer film material, wherein the walls are stretched due to a certain over-pressure inside the capsule (for example, a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure, such as a few hundred or thousand Pa above atmospheric pressure). This can be useful to ensure that the capsule is actually punctured by the puncture element or elements, rather than simply caused to burst when pressure is applied during use of the machine. For example, the capsule may in what regards its shape and constitution resemble the so-called pods often used for liquid detergents. One possible embodiment of the capsule is shown in figure 7. In this embodiment, the capsule is a pouch formed by two film portions (the top one 401 1 of which is shown in figure 7) that have been welded together in accordance with a perimeter of the capsule, forming a welded or sealed rim portion 4012. In some other embodiments, the rim portion is smaller and hardly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule is filled with a liquid concentrate 4013 and additionally with some air, forming an air-bubble 4014 within the capsule. In other embodiments, no air is present. The flexible and elastic walls of the capsule are stretched due to a slight overpressure inside the capsule, that is, the pressure inside the capsule is slightly above the pressure outside the capsule, to help ensure that the capsule is properly punctured when used in a puncturing machine such as one of the machines described herein, Other examples of embodiments of the capsule are shown in figures 8-10B, which are discussed below.

Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate some components of one possible practical implementation of the embodiment shown in figures 1A-1 C. According to this implementation the machine comprises a capsule container 16 that defines the space 1 1 for accommodating the capsule. The capsule container 16 features an opening 16A in its bottom wall, and a handle 16B that a user can grip when wishing to displace the capsule container 16 out of the machine to an extracted position, for placing a capsule therein and/or for removing an already used capsule therefrom. In this implementation the capsule container 16 is arranged in a drawer like manner, displaceable according to a horizontal X axis (schematically illustrated in figure 2C) substantially perpendicular to the front side of the machine, so that it can be pulled out by a user for the purpose of placing a capsule in the capsule container, and thereafter pushed back into the subsystem for beverage generation, that is, to the inserted position illustrated in figure 2C, where the piston 14 will be able to enter the space 1 1 within the capsule container 16 to exert pressure on the capsule.

As shown in figures 2A and 2B, the capsule container 16 features a bottom with an opening 16A which, when the capsule container is in the position for beverage generation shown in figure 2C, is placed above a hollow puncture element 13, which features a central opening which communicates with the interior of the mixing chamber 12. As shown in figure 2B, the puncture element 13 may be surrounded by a seal member 13A, for example, a seal member 13A of a flexible and elastic material such as silicone. The seal member 13A is intended to abut against the capsule during the expulsion of the liquid concentrate, to prevent the liquid concentrate from flowing away from the opening in the puncture element 13.

Once the capsule container 16 is in its inserted position as shown in figure 2C, the motor 15 can be operated to generate a downwards movement of the piston 14, which then starts to exert pressure on the capsule placed within the space 11 in the capsule container 16. The capsule container 16 is arranged within a support structure 17 for vertical movement in parallel with a vertical Y axis, so that when pressure is exerted onto the capsule by the piston 14 (not shown in figure 2C as it is hidden behind a front plate 17A of the support structure 17), the capsule container 16 and the capsule (not shown in figure 2C as it is placed within the space 11 inside the capsule container 16) are pressed downwards, towards the mixing chamber 12. Due to this movement, the puncture element 13 enters into the capsule container 16 through the opening 16A, and the upper sharp edge of the puncture element 13 punctures the capsule, so that the liquid concentrate can exit from the capsule and flow into the mixing chamber 12, through the opening within the puncture element 13. The seal member 13A will abut against the bottom external surface of the capsule surrounding the opening that the puncture element 13 has produced in the capsule, thereby preventing the liquid concentrate from flowing away from the opening in the puncture element. During the subsequent movement of the piston 14 downwards, the capsule will collapse and most of the liquid concentrate will be forced to flow into the mixing chamber 12, through the opening in the puncture element 13. The puncture element 13 can for example be embodied as a hollow needle tip or similar, for example, as a short tube-shaped member featuring a beveled end portion with an edge extending upwards to a tip at one side of the central opening. In some embodiments there may be multiple puncture elements. In some embodiments, one or more of the opening or openings that communicate with the inside of the mixing chamber may be placed beside the puncture element, etc.

Once the piston 14 has reached its lower end position, the operation of the motor 15 can be reversed so that the piston moves upwards in parallel with the vertical Y axis. The capsule container 16 can be biased upwards; in the embodiment illustrated in figure 2C a biasing arrangement with connecting members or rods 16C, 16D and a spring 16E is provided to pull the capsule container upwards, until it reaches its start position where it can once again be pulled out towards its extracted position, moving in parallel with the horizontal X axis. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the rods 16D can be arranged as a manually operable lever that a user may be able to use to pull the capsule container 16 upwards should it be jammed in a position below its start position.

Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the capsule container 16 and the mixing chamber 12 form part of an one and the same unit, displaceable along a horizontal X axis due to some guides 12A in lateral walls of the unit (schematically illustrated as grooves in figure 3A), which co-operate with corresponding guide means 17B in the support structure. A puncture element 13 is arranged in correspondence with the lower part of the interior of the capsule container 16. An inlet 12B, optionally provided with an O-ring seal or similar, is provided at the rear end of the mixing chamber 12 to connect it to the conduit 2004 (schematically illustrated in figure 3B; see also figure 1 C) when the unit formed by capsule container 16 and mixing chamber 12 is in its inserted position. As schematically illustrated in figure 3B, the piston 14 can be driven downwards to exert pressure onto the capsule 4000, causing it to puncture due to the action of the puncture element 13. After successful production of the beverage by pressing the liquid concentrate out of the capsule, the piston 14 moves back exiting the capsule container 16, and the unit comprising capsule container 16 and mixing chamber 12 can be extracted in parallel with the horizontal X axis, to remove the capsule, to insert a new capsule, for cleaning, etc.

Figure 3C schematically illustrates a variant in which the bottom of the capsule container 16 is not flat but features a concave spherical cap shape, so that liquid will tend to flow towards a central opening that communicates the space 11 within the capsule container 16 with the interior of the mixing chamber 12, thereby enhancing the flow of any spill towards the mixing chamber 12. In the illustrated variant, also the piston 14 features a correspondingly curved surface.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the mixing chamber 12 and its inlets and outlet. As explained with reference to figure 1C, water A can enter through a conduit 2004 that is connected to an inlet 12B (see figure 3A, for example) at the rear end of the mixing chamber. The liquid concentrate B enters through a top wall of the mixing chamber, in the illustrated embodiment via an opening in the puncture element 13 which in this implementation is partially recessed with regard to the top surface of the mixing chamber. An outlet 12C for the mixture C of water and concentrate is provided at the bottom of the mixing chamber; the inner bottom surface of the mixing chamber 12 is in this embodiment inclined so as to promote flow of the mixture of water and concentrate towards the outlet 12C. The water inlet 12B and the outlet 12C are in the illustrated embodiment provided with schematically illustrated seals.

In figure 4 a heating element 2005 has been schematically illustrated. This heating element can, for example, be used to heat the water, for example, to a temperature above 40 °C, such as between 45 and 50 °C, to enhance the cleaning effect of the water when the water is pumped into the mixing chamber for the purpose of cleaning. The heating element or elements may be powered under the control of the electronic control system of the machine, so that, for example, heating only takes place in correspondence with the injection of water for cleaning, and not in correspondence with the injection of water for producing the beverage.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an alternative configuration of the mixing chamber 12, namely, a configuration where the mixing chamber 12 is the space at a T-junction of three conduits where the water A (entering the mixing chamber 12 via the conduit 2004) and the liquid concentrate B (entering the mixing chamber 12 via a conduit 13B associated with the puncture element 13) meet and mix to generate the mixture C that exits the machine via the conduit 1004. Thus, in this embodiment, the mixing chamber comprises or consists of the internal space at the junction of the three conduits, in the illustrated case, a T-junction.

Whereas it may sometimes be preferred to have only one puncture element, in other embodiments there may be several puncture elements, which may be identical or different.

For example, figure 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the invention, including a water deposit 2000, a water conduit 2004 for transporting water to a mixing chamber 12, a pump 2003 for pumping the water to the mixing chamber, and a fan 2006 associated to a cooling system. In this embodiment, a plurality of puncture elements 13 are arranged within the space 1 1 for housing the capsule.

In the embodiment of figure 6, the motor 15 is placed sideways from the piston 14, and the threaded rod 15A is coupled to the piston 14 via an arm 15B featuring two bends. However, any other suitable means for operatively interconnecting the motor 15 and the piston 14 can be used. Placing the motor sideways from the piston, that is, spaced from the piston in the lateral direction and at a height not higher than the height of the piston, for example, below the height of the piston when the piston is in its uppermost position and optionally also when the piston is in its lowermost position, can sometimes be useful to make efficient use of the space within the casing of the machine.

Turbulent conditions are preferred to enhance the mixing process, so that the liquid concentrate be well mixed with the water. However, due to its relatively high viscosity (for example, fruit juice concentrates may have kinematic viscosities in the order of 0.007-0.008 m²/s) and due to the relatively low velocity with which the piston moves in many practical embodiments and implementations, it may be difficult or costly (for example, in terms of the necessary components, wear and/or energy consumption) to achieve that the liquid concentrate enters the mixing chamber under turbulent conditions, such as featuring a Reynolds number larger than 2300 or larger than 2900. Thus, to compensate for that, the machine is preferably configured so that the water enters the mixing chamber under conditions corresponding to a Reynolds number larger than 2300, such as larger than 2900. Thus, the diameter of the conduit 2004 and the velocity of the water in the conduit 2004 are selected to provide water entrance under turbulent conditions, whereas the liquid concentrate may be allowed to enter in non-turbulent conditions. Due to its high kinetic viscosity and low velocity, the liquid concentrate may enter the mixing chamber under conditions corresponding to a Reynolds number lower than 100, lower than 10 or even lower than 1.

As explained above, some embodiments of the invention do not include a puncture element. Figure 11 schematically illustrates a cross section of a portion of such an embodiment, in which a bottom opening of a capsule 4000 (which for example may be opened by the user prior to insertion of the capsule into the machine) is positioned facing an end portion of a conduit leading to the mixing chamber 12. In the illustrated embodiment, two guide rods 14A and 14B for guidance of the piston 14 are schematically illustrated.

Figure 8A illustrates a capsule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, placed in a unit comprising capsule container 16 and mixing chamber 12, in line with what has been described above. This capsule comprises two relatively rigid parts, namely, a first part 4001 forming a container and a second part 4002 forming a lid that closes one end -in this case, a top end- of the container. These two parts are rigid in the sense that they are not intended to be substantially deformed during operation of the machine: instead, expulsion of the liquid concentrate is produced by displacement of the second part towards an opening 4001 C in the first part. The first part is basically a container with a cylindrical wall 4001 A and a bottom portion 4001 B (facing downwards in the position of the capsule shown in figure 8A, that is, when the capsule is placed in the machine for extraction of the liquid concentrate). An outlet opening 4001 C is provided in the bottom portion 4001 B and, more specifically, in the specific illustrated embodiment, in a protrusion 4001 D in the bottom portion that can serve to guide the outlet opening in relation to the puncture element 13 and/or in relation to an outlet opening in the space in the machine that houses the capsule, an outlet opening leading to the mixing chamber. The opening 4001 C in the capsule is originally closed by a frangible or removable seal 4001 E -see figure 8B- such as, for example, a film or part of the wall having a thickness allowing the seal to be pierced by a puncturing element so as to allow the liquid concentrate to exit the opening, or a seal that can be removed, for example, manually removed, by a user prior to placing the capsule in the machine. The top end of the cylinder formed by the wall 4001A (that is, the upper end when the capsule in the position shown in figure 8A) is closed by the second part 4002, which can be displaced downwards by the piston 14 of the machine. Before application of pressure, the second part 4002 may be sealed to the wall 4001A of the first part 4001 by a schematically illustrated frangible connection 4003. In other embodiments, the second part 4002 may be friction-fitted into the first part 4001 , and optionally the entire top may be covered by a heat-sealed film, or by any other kind of sealing cover. The first part 4001 and the second part 4002 together delimit an internal space, that is, a space delimited by the internal surfaces of the first part and the second part. This internal space houses a liquid concentrate.

The capsule is inserted into the space 1 1 of the capsule container 16, for example, by the user. The space 11 is preferably shaped so as to guide the opening of the capsule towards the opening in the bottom of the space and/or towards the puncture element 13, if the machine includes this kind of puncture element. The seal 4001 E may be pierced by the puncture element 13 during insertion of the capsule, or when pressure is applied by the piston 14. In other embodiments, the seal 4001 E is removed or pierced by the user prior to placing the capsule in the machine. When the piston 14 moves downwards, the second part 4002 is forced downwards, acting as a piston within the chamber delimited by the walls 4001 A of the first part, so that the liquid concentrate is forced out of the capsule towards the mixing chamber 12. The bottom of the capsule is slightly curved in figure 8, but in other embodiments it may be frusto- conical or flat or have any other suitable shape. The same is true for the inner wall of the second part 4002.

This kind of relatively rigid capsule may be favored by consumers as it can be easily manipulated and also be relatively resistant to impacts or scratches, while at the same time allowing for easy operation and being compatible with, for example, the kind of machine described above.

The second part 4002 comprises a substantially L-shaped rim portion 4002A, that is, as shown in figure 8A, the second part is substantially disc-shaped with a substantially L- shaped rim, where a flange extends in the axial direction. In some embodiments this flange may originally extend in an inclined manner, that is, both in the axial and in the radial direction, and become re-aligned in the vertical direction when the second part is pushed into the first part during assembly of the capsule, thereby enhancing the sealing between the first part and the second part and minimizing the risk for leakage due to manufacturing tolerances.

In the embodiments of the machine shown in figures 8A and 11 , the space that accommodates the capsule has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the capsule, so that the internal wall of the capsule container 16 will support the external wall 4001 A of the capsule during the process of extraction of the liquid concentrate, thereby contributing to absorb the radial forces created due to the pressure increase within the capsule when the second part 4002 is displaced downwards, towards the opening 4001 C, by the piston 14.

Figures 9A-10B schematically illustrate two other embodiments, in which the wall 4001A is slightly frusto-conical, for example, in the cross section illustrated in these figures, the walls may be inclined at an angle of about 1 degree (1°) to the vertical axis of symmetry of the capsule. Thus, a slight radial compression of the second part 4002 will take place when the second part is displaced downwards towards the opening (that is, when it is being displaced form the position shown in figures 9A and 10A to the position shown in figures 9B and 10B, respectively). In the case of the embodiment of figures 9A and 9B, the radial compression is facilitated by a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped rim portion 4002A (that is, the cross section of the second part as shown in figures 9A and 9B has a substantially V- or U-shaped rim portion), whereas the rim portion 4002A in the embodiment of figures 10A and 10B is substantially L-shaped. In the case of the embodiment of figures 9A and 9B, it can be observed how the V- or U-shaped portion becomes slightly compressed when the first part 4002 is displaced towards the opening 4001 C, whereas in the case of the embodiment of figures 10A and 10B, the angle between the two legs of the“L-shaped” rim portion becomes slightly modified during this displacement, due to the reduction of the internal diameter of the second part in the direction towards the opening. For example, the use of a V- or U-shaped rim portion as in figures 9A and 9B has been found to be especially advantageous, as this kind of rim portion is suitable for exerting a force on the wall of the first part that increases when the pressure inside the internal space increases. The radially outermost flange will tend to flex radially outwards in response to a pressure increase in the internal space. Thus, when the second part is pressed towards the opening in the first part (for example, by a piston), the pressure inside the internal space increases, and the corresponding increase in the force that the rim portion 4002A exerts on the wall 4001 A of the first part reduces the risk of leakage of the liquid concentrate out of the capsule between the first part and the second part, that is, between the wall of the first part and the circumferential edge of the second part. The kind of V-shaped or U-shaped rim portion discussed above has been found to be especially useful for this kind of purpose.

Figures 9A and 10A show how the opening in the first part is sealed by a removable seal 4001 E having a cylindrical shape. This kind of seal is typically integrally formed with the first part during injection molding thereof: it can basically be a by-product naturally resulting from the injection process, and it can easily be broken off by the user prior to placing the capsule in the machine.

The figures are not drawn to scale and are merely intended to schematically illustrate the relationship between the different components in the illustrated embodiments of the invention.

In this text, the term“comprises” and its derivations (such as“comprising”, etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

Unless otherwise indicated, any ranges specified in this document include the end points of the respective range.

On the other hand, the invention is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1.- A capsule (4000) comprising an internal space containing a liquid concentrate for producing a beverage, the capsule comprising a first part (4001) and a second part (4002) which together delimit the internal space, the first part (4001) being provided with an opening (4001 C), the second part (4002) being displaceable under pressure towards the opening so as to reduce the internal space, so as to cause the concentrate to exit the capsule.

2.- The capsule according to claim 1 , wherein the second part (4002) is attached to the first part (4001) by a frangible connection (4003) that is configured to break when the second part is subjected to pressure.

3.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal space is delimited by a wall (4001 A), a bottom portion (4001 B) and a top portion, the bottom portion (4001 B) comprising the opening (4001 C) and the top portion comprising the second part (4002), the wall (4001A) and the bottom portion (4001 B) being part of the first part (4001).

4 - The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the wall (4001A) is a cylindrical wall.

5.- The capsule according to claim 3, wherein the wall (4001A) is a frusto-conical wall.

6.- The capsule according to claim 5, wherein in a vertical cross-section of the capsule, the wall (4001 A) is inclined in relation a vertical axis of the capsule at an angle of inclination, the angle of inclination being between 0.5 and 5 degrees, such as between 1 and 3 degrees, such as between 1 and 2 degrees.

7.- The capsule according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the second part (4002) is arranged to slide towards the opening (4001 C) guided by the wall (4001 A).

8.- The capsule according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the opening (4001 C) is positioned in a protrusion (4001 D) extending from the bottom portion (4001 B).

9.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part is radially compressible.

10.- The capsule according to claim 9, wherein the second part comprises a radially compressible rim portion (4002A).

11.- The capsule according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein the second part comprises a rim portion (4002A) arranged to exert a force on the wall (4001A) of the first part that increases when the pressure inside the internal space increases.

12.- The capsule according to claim 11 , wherein the rim portion (4002A) comprises a flange arranged to flex radially outwards in response to a pressure increase in the space.

13.- The capsule according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the rim portion features at least one flange extending at least partly in an axial direction, such as in both a radial and the axial direction.

14.- The capsule according to claim 13, wherein the rim portion is substantially L-shaped, V- shaped or U-shaped.

15.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is sealed by a frangible seal (4001 E).

16.- The capsule according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the opening is closed by a seal (4001 E) arranged to be manually removed by a user.

17.- The capsule according to claim 16, wherein the seal (4001 E) is a closure part formed integrally with the first part.

18.- The capsule according to claim 17, wherein the closure part forms a cylindrical extension of the first part below the opening, closing the opening.

19.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule has a circular cross section, and wherein:

the maximum external diameter of the capsule is preferably between 30 and 50 mm; and/or

the maximum height of the capsule is preferably between 30 and 50 mm;

and/or

the second part has a wall thickness of between 0.9 and 1.5 mm;

and/or

the opening has a diameter of between 2.5 and 4 mm.

20.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (4001) and the second part (4002) are rigid.

21.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (4001) and the second part (4002) are injection molded parts.

22.- A capsule (4000) containing a liquid concentrate for producing a beverage, the capsule comprising a flexible pouch housing the liquid concentrate, the pressure inside the pouch being higher than 1 atmosphere.

23.- The capsule according to claim 22, wherein the pouch comprises an elastic film, the elastic film being in a stretched state.

24.- The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, the capsule being a single dose capsule.

25.- A machine for dispensing a beverage, the machine comprising a space (11) for housing a capsule containing a liquid concentrate, and a mixing chamber (12) for receiving liquid concentrate and another liquid so as to allow the liquid concentrate and the other liquid to mix, the space (1 1) communicating with the mixing chamber (12) so that liquid concentrate can flow from the space (1 1) and into the mixing chamber (12);

characterized in that

the machine further comprises a pressure applicator (14, 15) for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule.

26.- The machine according to claim 25, wherein the machine further comprises at least one puncture element (13) arranged in correspondence with the space, the puncture element (13) being arranged to contact the capsule and to puncture the capsule when the capsule is pressed against the puncture element (13),

wherein the pressure applicator (14, 15) is configured for applying pressure onto the capsule so as to first cause the capsule to be punctured by the puncture element (13), and so as to subsequently cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule.

27.- The machine according to claim 26, wherein the pressure applicator comprises a piston (14) arranged to be driven towards the capsule to first cause the capsule to be punctured by the at least one puncture element (13) and to subsequently cause the capsule to collapse so as to press liquid concentrate out of the capsule.

28.- The machine according to claim 27, wherein the at least one puncture element (13) is arranged facing the piston (14) so that a capsule placed in the space (1 1) will be sandwiched between the piston (14) and the at least one puncture element (13).

29.- The machine according to any one of claims 26-28, wherein the puncture element (13) is arranged at a bottom portion of the space (1 1).

30.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-29, wherein the space (11) communicates with the mixing chamber (12) via an opening, such as via an opening placed in correspondence with a puncture element (13), such as in the puncture element (13).

31.- The machine according to claim 30, wherein the space (1 1) comprises a bottom surface that slopes towards the opening, so as to cause any fluid to flow towards the opening.

32.- The machine according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the machine further comprises a seal member (13A) surrounding the opening and, optionally, surrounding a puncture element (13), the seal member (13A) being arranged to be applied against a surface of the capsule during compression of the capsule.

33.- The machine according to any one of claims 26-32, wherein the puncture element (13) comprises a hollow member featuring a sharp edge, such as a sharp beveled end portion, arranged to contact the capsule for puncturing the capsule.

34.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-33, wherein the space (11) is provided in a capsule container (16) that can be displaced between an extracted position for loading and unloading a capsule into and out of the space (1 1), respectively, and an inserted position where a portion of the pressure applicator is moveable into the space (1 1) for applying pressure onto the capsule.

35.- The machine according to claim 34, wherein the capsule container (16) includes an opening (16A) in a bottom wall thereof, and wherein the puncture element (13) is placed in correspondence with the opening (16A) so that it can access the capsule via the opening (16A), and wherein the mixing chamber is optionally displaceable in relation to the puncture element (13) so that the puncture element (13) can enter the space (1 1) through the opening (16A) for the purpose of puncturing the capsule.

36.- The machine according to claim 34, wherein the capsule container (16) and the mixing chamber (12) are configured as a unit that can be displaced between the extracted position and the inserted position.

37.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-36, wherein the mixing chamber (12) comprises or consists of an internal space of a junction of at least a first conduit (13B) and a second conduit (2004), the first conduit being a conduit for the liquid concentrate and the second conduit being a conduit for the other liquid.

38.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-37, wherein the machine further comprises means for injecting water into the mixing chamber (12), preferably under turbulent conditions.

39.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-38, wherein the machine is arranged to clean at least a portion of the space (11) for housing the capsule, and/or at least part of the puncture element (13), and/or at least one opening communicating the space (11) with the mixing chamber (12), and/or the mixing chamber (12), by injecting water into the mixing chamber (12) after stopping or reversing operation of the pressure applicator.

40.- The machine according to any one of claims 25-39, configured to interact with a capsule (4000) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the pressure applicator is configured to displace the second part (4002) towards the opening in the first part (4001) so as to press the liquid concentrate out of the capsule.

41.- The machine according to claim 40, wherein the pressure applicator is configured to displace the second part (4002) towards the opening in the first part (4001) without substantially deforming the first part.

42.- A method of dispensing a beverage using a machine according to any one of claims 25- 41 , comprising:

placing a capsule (4000) with a liquid concentrate in the space (11);

applying pressure onto the capsule (4000) so as to cause the capsule to collapse, thereby causing the liquid concentrate to exit the capsule and to enter the mixing chamber (12);

injecting water into the mixing chamber (12);

letting water mixed with the liquid concentrate exit the mixing chamber (12).

43.- The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of applying pressure onto the capsule (4000) after placing the capsule (4000) in the space (11), so as to puncture the capsule against the puncture element (13).

44.- The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of opening the capsule before placing the capsule (4000) in the space.

45.- Use of a capsule according to any one of claims 1-24, in a machine according to any one of claims 25-41.

46.- A system comprising a machine according to any one of claims 25-41 , and at least one capsule according to any one of claims 1-24.